Historic Road's 40 Ton Problem

Published November 24th, 2010

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The condition of many roads is a problem in parts of north central Florida, but one of those roads has a 40 ton problem. Some residents say they are worried someone is going to get hurt.
Craig Thompson of High Springs says sharing the road home with log trucks is something he's had to get used to.
Thompson lives off Old Bellamy road, one of Alachua county's five scenic roads, and he says it's the weight limit that isn't being enforced.
"The road is very small, and these log trucks are really big, and it's dangerous for cars to pass on the road, kids on the buses getting off and on, with these log trucks coming through..." said Thompson.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation, the maximum legal weight for tractor trailers in the state is 80-thousand pounds, that's 40 tons.
Enforcing the 15-ton weight limit on Old Bellamy, is up to the county.
"At this time, the county does not have the tools and the staffing to be able to put an enforcement arm in place, to go around and check weights," said Dave Cerlanek, the county's engineer.
County officials say they don't have the tools, and staffing to enforce the limit.
According to the county's public works department, Old Bellamy is on a two-week grading cycle because of it's high traffic volumes. The area of Old Bellamy north of county road 236 is in line to be chip-sealed this fiscal year. It's part of the "Alternative Service Treatment Program" where liquid asphalt and stone will be poured over the road to reduce maintenance costs.